History

The first Friends of Volo Bog Newsletter was issued sometime in November 1983 (volume 1 issue 1). It does not say anything about the actual date the Friends first started, but I believe that it was that same year. Mentioned in the issue was a grant rewarded to the Volo Bog State Natural Area and Nature Center by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Museum Services. In order to receive the funds, the Friends had to match the total with donations, fund-raising and volunteer work. Their fund raiser at the time was a Shop ‘N Share at the Jewel food stores.

It also reports that they had a record number of people (389) at their October 30^th Swamp Spook Walk, and 25 volunteers helping to make it a success. It appears that they were a very active group.

Volume 1 issue 2 (March 1984) lists the Board of Directors as:

Dixon Brandt – Chairman

Kathie Carveny – Vice-Chairman

John Franks – Treasurer

Elaine Tredinnick – Secretary

Esther Larson – Gift Shop coordinator

Harry Larson – Member of Board.

The Gift shop was scheduled to open on June 2nd, 1984, and the Library starting date was never stated. It was interesting to read that there was a basic bird watching course conducted by a delegate to the Audubon Council of Illinois, as well as many bird walks.

They had volunteer days and even back then they where looking for Bluebird monitors

The Friends of Volo Bog Newsletter became the Bog Log in the August of 85, and in that issue Richard Wend, who is now our treasurer, first become a member of the Board.

Article from Outdoor Illinois

(This is a large pdf file, and may take a minute or so to download, but well worth the wait.)

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